The New Orleans Saints have been eagerly awaiting the return of their elite Pro Bowl center, Erik McCoy, who has been sidelined with a groin injury. McCoy was designated to return from injured reserve last week, and while he practiced on both Thursday and Friday, the team ultimately decided to hold him out for one more game. Despite McCoy’s absence, the Saints secured an impressive victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10, a game that also marked Darren Rizzi’s debut as interim head coach.
However, McCoy’s return appears imminent, as evidenced by a surprising roster move made by the Saints earlier this week. The team waived backup center Connor McGovern, who had started in place of McCoy over the last five games. McGovern, signed by the Saints in early October, didn’t last long on waivers and was claimed by the New York Jets the following day, reuniting with his former team. This move suggests the Saints are preparing for McCoy’s return and no longer see the need for McGovern’s services.
McCoy practiced as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday, then upgraded to a full participant on Friday. By the end of the week, the Saints listed him as questionable for the Week 11 game but ultimately activated him from injured reserve. The team announced the move on social media, confirming that McCoy would return to the starting lineup after missing the previous seven games, during which the Saints struggled to a 1-6 record in his absence.
Impact of McCoy’s Return
McCoy’s return is a game-changer for the Saints’ offense and offensive line. As one of the most dependable centers in the league, his presence will provide a major boost to both the running and passing games. In the ground game, McCoy will help open up more holes for star running back Alvin Kamara, who has been forced to fight for yards without the support of his top center. In the passing game, McCoy’s ability to solidify the protection up front will give quarterback Derek Carr more time to read the defense and make plays downfield.
Beyond just the physical improvements, McCoy’s leadership on the field is invaluable. His experience and communication skills help ensure the offensive line works cohesively, a key factor in protecting Carr and establishing any offensive rhythm. The Saints will certainly benefit from his return, especially considering they are facing a tough matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.
Cleveland’s defense has been one of the league’s toughest this season, ranking in the top 15 in both rushing defense and pass rush. Their aggressive defensive front poses a significant challenge for the Saints, who will need to rely on McCoy’s leadership and skill to keep Carr upright and create running lanes for Kamara. If McCoy can stay healthy and make an immediate impact, he could be the key to helping the Saints turn their season around.
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